The IGD Efficient Consumer Response (ECR) mentoring initiative is set to double in size again for 2015 following two successful years since it launched.
The scheme is part of ECR UK’s supply chain talent work group, co-chaired by Waitrose supply chain director David Jones and Diageo supply chain director Sue McGeorge. It identifies rising stars and leaders of the future in the supply chain, and helps to fast-track their careers. Those mentored get access to knowledge and experience outside their own organisations for a year.
From launching the mentoring programme in 2013 with 17 pairings, in 2014 the programme was doubled to 34 and this has been increased to 66 for 2015. In total, the initiative involves 30 companies, including 11 suppliers and 19 retailers, wholesalers and foodservice companies.
“The ECR UK board consists of 30 supply chain directors and is constantly looking for ways to improve awareness of careers in supply chain management. This is both to help develop the skills and careers of people in our profession and to embed a deep spirit of collaboration,” said James Tupper, ECR learning & change manager.
In 2013, the ECR UK Developing Supply Chain Talent workgroup of IGD won the ECR Europe best initiative award in recognition of its customer-supplier job swaps programme.
This spurred the group on to create the mentoring programme in 2013. Mentoring relationships have to date included Coca-Cola Enterprises and Booker; Marks & Spencer and Nestlé; Unilever and Brakes; and L’Oréal and Diageo.
The initiative went on to receive universally positive feedback, with participants rating it on average nine out of 10. The mentoring programme also scooped the ECR Europe Award last year.
No comments yet